City Taking Entries for 2019 ‘Red, White, Blue, and You’ Parade
The City of Lake Charles is accepting entries for the annual Fourth of July “Red, White, Blue, & You” parade to take place on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Submit your entry forms for floats, marching units, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and golf carts. Everyone is welcomed to join the fun and participate in this annual event.
The parade begins at 6:00 pm, with the route set to travel down Ryan Street from Pine Street to Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. For more information and registration forms, log on to www.cityoflakecharles.com or contact 337.491.9176. The entry deadline is July 3.
Following the parade, the celebration continues at the Lake Charles Civic Center Arcade Pavilion with concessions, face painting, and a patriotic program at 6:45 pm, and fireworks at 9:15 pm. This event is open to the public.
There will be a performance from Bluesiana RED. The Lake Charles Community Band, along with the Louisiana Choral Foundation and Friends, will also take the stage featuring a sing-a-long and a salute to the U.S. Armed Forces. Audience members are encouraged to bring their blankets or lawn chairs. Every member of the audience will receive a complimentary flag to wave. Festival t-shirts, designed by Sowela student Austin Rains, will be on sale for $5. If inclement weather prevails, the program will be moved to the Civic Center Coliseum.
The Red White Blue & You celebration is preceded by the Southwest Louisiana Patriot’s Ball presented by the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission (MAFC) on Saturday, June 29 at 6 p.m. in the Contraband Room of the Lake Charles Civic Center. This year, the event is being hosted by Mayor and Mrs. Nic Hunter as well as the MAFC. A limited number of tickets are available; for ticket information, go to www.foundationswla.org or the Civic Center Box Office. - Matt Young, City of Lake Charles